HR Manager - New British School

HIRE HEAD; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international school in Dubai is hiring an HR Manager to establish and shape its HR function. This role, starting immediately, involves developing HR policies, leading the recruitment for the founding team, and ensuring compliance with UAE labour laws. Candidates should have proven HR management experience within schools in the UAE. A competitive salary of AED 13,000 per month and a comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Benefits

Housing allowance

Health insurance

Annual flight

Tuition fee concessions for dependents

End-of-service gratuity

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an HR Manager or Senior HR Officer within a UAE school.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE labour law and KHDA/ADEK regulations.
• Strong technical expertise in HR systems, operations, and payroll.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the school's people strategy.
• Document HR policies in compliance with UAE labour law.
• Lead the recruitment campaign for all founding staff.
• Manage the onboarding process for new hires.
• Run day-to-day HR operations and ensure compliance.

Skills

Experience as an HR Manager

Knowledge of UAE labour law

Expertise in HR systems and operations

Experience with mass recruitment

Cultural sensitivity

Strong communication

Job description

School:New British School (Opening August 2026)

Location:UAE

Employment Type:Full-time, Immediate Hiring

Salary:AED 13,000 per month + competitive benefits package

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced HR Manager to be a foundational pillar in the establishment and success of our new British curriculum school, set to open its doors in August 2026. This is a unique "pre-opening" role starting immediately, offering the opportunity to build the HR function from the ground up. You will be instrumental in developing our people strategy, establishing all HR policies and systems, and leading the recruitment of our founding staff team. Your work will directly shape the school's culture and operational excellence from its very inception.

Key Responsibilities

Phase 1: Pre-Opening & Setup (Immediate Start - Aug 2026)

• Partner with the Founding Leadership team to develop and execute the school's people strategy.
• Design, implement, and document all core HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks in compliance with UAE labour law and KHDA/ADEK regulations.
• Select, set up, and manage integrated HR systems (e.g., payroll, recruitment, personnel records).
• Lead the end-to-end recruitment campaign for all founding staff: from principals and teachers to administrative and support personnel.
• Manage the onboarding process for all new hires, including visa processing, labour contracts, licensing, and orientation programs.
• Establish the school's compensation & benefits structure and performance management framework.
• Build relationships with recruitment agencies, relocation providers, and other key vendors.

Phase 2: Operational Excellence (Post-Opening)

• Run the day-to-day HR operations, including payroll oversight, leave management, and employee relations.
• Act as a trusted advisor to staff and leadership on all HR matters.
• Ensure 100% compliance with all UAE and emirate-specific educational authority regulations.
• Foster a positive, high-performance, and inclusive school culture.
• Manage professional development coordination, staff welfare, and retention initiatives.
• Handle grievance procedures and disciplinary matters with fairness and sensitivity.
• Prepare regular HR reports and analytics for the school board and leadership.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Essential:Proven experience as an HR Manager or Senior HR Officerwithin a UAE school.
• Essential:In-depth knowledge ofUAE labour lawand specificKHDA or ADEK HR regulations and processes(e.g., teacher licensing, visa procedures for academic staff).
• Essential:Strong technical expertise inHR systems, operations, and payroll.
• Essential:Experience with mass recruitment campaigns and managing the entire employee lifecycle.
• Desirable:Experience in a school pre-opening or rapid growth environment is a significant advantage.
• Personal Attributes:Proactive builder, exceptional organizer, impeccable attention to detail, culturally sensitive, and a superb communicator. Must be able to work autonomously and as part of a founding team.
• Competitive tax-free salary ofAED 13,000 per month.
• Comprehensive benefits package typical of leading international schools (to be detailed during interview, may include housing allowance, health insurance, annual flight, tuition fee concessions for dependents, and end-of-service gratuity).
• The unparalleled opportunity to create and define the HR function of a prestigious new educational institution.
• Professional growth as a key member of the school's founding leadership team.